When Is Trick or Treat in Columbus, Ohio This Year?

If you’re planning to take your kids out for trick-or-treating in Columbus, Ohio this year, it’s important to know when the event will take place. While Halloween falls on Friday, October 31, 2025, many communities in the area have chosen to hold their trick-or-treat events on Thursday, October 30 instead. This decision is often made to ensure safety and avoid conflicts with weekend activities like football games and church services.

Why Trick-or-Treat Isn’t Always on Halloween

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) recommends that communities hold trick-or-treat events on the Thursday before Halloween if the holiday falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. This helps reduce traffic and ensures a safer environment for children. However, some cities, such as Worthington and Grandview Heights, choose to hold their events on Halloween itself regardless of the day of the week.

Always check the specific date for your neighborhood, as some areas may have different schedules. For example:

• Franklin County: Trick-or-Treat is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Worthington: Trick-or-Treat is held on Halloween (October 31) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Delaware County: Trick-or-Treat is also on Thursday, October 30, with some towns holding it on October 31.

Trick-or-Treat Dates by City

Here’s a breakdown of when trick-or-treat events are planned in various parts of Columbus and surrounding areas:

Franklin County

• Bexley: Thursday, October 30, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• Blendon Township: Thursday, October 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Columbus: Thursday, October 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Dublin: Thursday, October 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Gahanna: Thursday, October 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Grove City: Thursday, October 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Groveport: Thursday, October 30, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• Hilliard: Thursday, October 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Madison Township: Thursday, October 30, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• New Albany: Thursday, October 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Pickerington: Thursday, October 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Reynoldsburg: Thursday, October 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Westerville: Thursday, October 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Other Areas

• Grandview Heights: Friday, October 31, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Worthington: Friday, October 31, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Delaware County: Some towns hold events on October 31, while others follow the Thursday schedule.
• Marion County: Trick-or-Treat is on October 31, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
• Union County: Plain City holds events on October 30, while Marysville and Richwood have them on October 31.
• Licking County: Pataskala and Granville have events on October 31.
• Fairfield County: Amanda holds its event on October 25, while Pickerington follows the Thursday schedule.
• Ross County: Chillicothe has events on October 30.
• Logan County: Bellefontaine and Russells Point have events on October 30.
• Coshocton County: Historic Roscoe Village has events on October 30, while Coshocton has them on October 25.
• Pickaway County: Circleville has events on October 30, while Ashville has theirs on October 26.
• Knox County: Centerburg and Mount Vernon have events on October 30 and October 31, respectively.
• Muskingum County: Zanesville has events on October 26, while New Concord has theirs on October 31.
• Shawnee County: Shawnee has events on October 30.
• Cardington: Events are on October 25 and October 30.
• Marengo: Trick-or-Treat is on October 31, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

Special Events and Alternatives

In addition to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, many communities offer trunk-or-treat events, which are safer and more organized. These events are often held at local businesses, schools, or community centers. Some popular trunk-or-treat events in Columbus include:

• Trunk or Treat at Bevelhymer Park (New Albany) – Saturday, October 19, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Trunk or Treat at Dublin Presbyterian Church – Friday, October 25, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Trunk or Treat at the Ohio Statehouse – Friday, October 31, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Trunk or Treat at Pickerington City Hall – Thursday, October 30, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Final Tips

• Check with your local community for the most accurate date and time.
• Plan ahead and make sure your kids are dressed in costumes that are safe and visible.
• Drive carefully during trick-or-treat hours, as roads can be busy with children walking.
• Stay updated with any changes or rescheduling due to weather or other factors.

By knowing when trick-or-treat is happening in your area, you can plan a fun and safe Halloween experience for your family. Whether you’re handing out candy or collecting it, Columbus offers a variety of events to make this year’s Halloween memorable.

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